County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands Restaurants

Because the West provinces have a brief high season—from mid-June to early September—and a quiet off-season, it doesn't have as broad a choice of small, owner-operated restaurants as do other parts of Ireland. Often the best place to eat is a local hotel. But some places landmark the region, including Moran's Oyster Cottage in Kilcolgan near Galway City, where the fare is simple, served in traditional pub surroundings, but sea-leaping fresh. At the other extreme are more dazzling experiences, like when you splurge to dine in style like the superb formal restaurant at Dromoland Castle. For truly adventurous contemporary Irish cooking, head to happening Galway; the town center is so compact you can meander around and read the menus on display outside before making your choice.

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  • 1. Linnane's Lobster Bar

    $$$

    It doesn't get much better than this 300-year-old, slated, whitewashed cottage with a turf fire and full-length windows that open out onto a terrace overlooking Galway Bay. The specialty is seafood; clams, scallops, salmon, crab claws, and lobster—the restaurant's cornerstone dish. Chicken and beef make the occasional guest appearance. Seat yourself in the conservatory to keep one eye on your crab cakes and Guinness, and another on the crystal clear waters of the bay. 

    Cartron, Oughtmama, Co. Clare, Ireland
    65-707--8120

    Known For

    • Crab claws with butter sauce
    • Great wine list
    • Live music in the evenings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Thurs. Nov.--Mar.
  • 2. Ard Bia at Nimmo's

    $$$ | Spanish Arch

    Expect to wait in line at this city-center restaurant set in an old stone house, with tables overlooking the Corrib. Ard Bia serves budget-conscious, freshly baked and sourced food, with a menu that changes according to what is in season. Jumbled furnishings from dressers to crockery in a casual setting contrasts the more spacious, timber-floored restaurant upstairs. Here the menu is concise with offerings from sea and land with monkfish, rib eye, and lentil cakes.

    Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland
    091-561–114

    Known For

    • All-day brunch
    • River views
    • Seasonal menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations required for dinner.
  • 3. Barrtrá Seafood Restaurant

    $$$

    Sweeping Atlantic views from this whitewashed cottage set the stage for a delightful meal of fresh catch from the waters lapping the Wild Atlantic Way. For €50 guests can sample the best of the menu with a five-course Seafood Surprise taster menu: not to spoil the surprise, but expect mussels, halibut, and mackerel---and locally sourced black Angus fillet makes a guest appearance. A simple but well-thought-out à la carte menu is also available. 

    Barrtrá, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
    65-708--1280

    Known For

    • Offers gluten-free options
    • Exceptional service
    • Incredible desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Jan.--Feb.; weekdays Mar.--Apr.; Sun. Oct.–Dec.; Tues. May--Sept.
  • 4. Noel's at the Manor

    $$$

    This fine little eatery packs a punch in the local dining scene, harvesting the best of local produce from the sea and land. Operated by the Wallace family in a modern, stone-and-plaster inn on the western perimeter of the village, the style and presentation of the food comes with five-star finesse. The interior has a horse-themed decor, reflecting a strong segment of the restaurant's clientele. Menu samples include pan-seared scallops, honey-glazed duck, or wild mushroom--and-spinach pappardelle pasta. 

    Bunratty, Co. Clare, Ireland
    61-707--984

    Known For

    • Delicious seafood chowder
    • Great selection of vegan and vegetarian options
    • Warm, relaxed atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 5. The Seafood Bar at Kirwan's

    $$$ | Spanish Arch

    Nestled into a lamp-lit corner of Kirwan's Lane near the Quays, this slim, two-story oasis has served quality local seafood for more than 20 years. Its selection reads like a travel guide from the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way: Burren smoked salmon, Dingle prawns, and Connemara mussels. Owner Mike O'Grady combs the local waters for the finest produce for Kirwan's, and beef and chicken are also on the menu. Specials are a highlight.

    Galway City, Co. Galway, Ireland
    091-568–266

    Known For

    • Friendly staff and warm atmosphere
    • Solid vegetarian options
    • Decadent desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Sun. Nov.–Apr.
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